The Lezyne Control Drive CO2 tire inflator is popular among mountain bikers and road cyclists. I always have it with me while mountain biking.
As for what this CO2 pump is capable of and whether it’s practical to use, I can certainly provide some insights… In this review, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the Lezyne CO2 pump.
⭐️ Verdict: High Quality & User-Friendly (8,6/10)
I always carry the Lezyne Control Drive with me while mountain biking. This tool can quickly reinflate a flat tire using a 12, 16, or 25-gram CO2 cartridge.
The tool is of high quality and very easy to use. The head has threading and is, therefore, only compatible with cartridges that have threading.
I usually keep a (nearly) fully screwed cartridge attached to it by default. This way, the compact head doesn’t get lost among other items.
The sleeve is a bit tight but fits around a cartridge and protects your hand(s) from the cold. It’s convenient if you’re not wearing gloves.
Further along in this review, you can delve into the tool in detail…
Pros
High quality
Easy to use
Compatible with 12g, 16g, or 25g canisters
Compact
Cons
Not to be screwed onto the valve
Not the cheapest
Overall Score
8,6/10 😁
Quality of Materials
9/10 🤩
Ease of Use
9/10 🤩
Functionality
8,5/10 😁
Price
7/10 😃
Size & Storage
8,5/10 😁
I bought this tool myself because, in addition to my Dynaplug Air, I wanted a separate pump to inflate my tires if they don’t need plugging.
Micki Kozuschek, a former professional triathlete, founded the originally German brand Lezyne. Meanwhile, the headquarters are located in Nevada, and the brand has become a well-known name in the cycling world thanks to its high-quality bike accessories, including this Control Drive CO2 pump.
Thanks to the pressure regulator, you can easily control the CO2 dosage. This is also the biggest advantage of this tool for me, and it simply works flawlessly in practice.
Table of Contents
Lezyne Control Drive CO2 pomp review
In the following review, you’ll discover everything about the quality, ease of use, price, and functionality of this tool.
Quality of Materials
The Lezyne Control Drive CO2 pump head is surprisingly small when you remove it from the packaging. Of course, you still need to mount a CO2 cartridge yourself. As a result, the whole assembly will immediately become much more manageable.
I usually have a CO2 cartridge screwed onto it by default. This way, it also fits perfectly behind one of the storage loops in my bike pack. I wouldn’t store the pump head loosely in a bag or backpack because, given its size, it might end up getting lost.
Despite its compact size, this pump head is incredibly sturdy and robust. The dosing knob is also of high quality and works perfectly and smoothly!
Category Score: 9/10
Ease of Use
The tool consists of 3 parts: the pump head, the threaded CO2 connection, and the pressure regulator (dosing knob).
This tool is only compatible with CO2 cartridges with threading. The tool is equipped with threading, and screwing the cartridge in is incredibly easy.
The pump head and opening are compatible with Schrader (Auto) and Presta (French) valves. You must place the opening over the valve to use the pump. Therefore, you cannot screw the head onto the valve; holding it in place is the way to go. But thanks to the compact size and the fact that I have two hands, this had not been any problem at all.
As I mentioned before, there is always a CO2 cartridge attached to the tool. If you’re planning to do the same, it’s important not to screw the cartridge on completely because that will activate the cartridge.
Fortunately, you don’t need to panic if this does happen. Because of the pressure regulator (if it’s closed), no air will be lost.
Controlling the pressure is also not difficult at all. Gently dosing is no problem and can be very useful if, like me, you ride with tubeless tires and therefore don’t need rock-hard tires.
The pressure regulator is a knob that you can turn left or right.
If you need the pump on the go, you only have to place the head on the valve, “activate” the CO2 cartridge and open the pressure regulator.
For instance, if you use 25-gram CO2 cartridges, thanks to this pressure regulator, you might even be able to inflate two (tubeless) tires… Of course, depending on the desired tire pressure with which you tear through the trails.
Category Score: 9/10
Functionality
Don’t expect multiple functions from this pump, as the only thing you can do with it is inflate your tire. From my experience with this pump, I can tell you that this single function works exceptionally well.
Of course, afterward, you’re left with some waste in the form of an empty CO2 canister. However, I find this pump much more convenient than a mini pump, which can exhaust you from pumping. With the Lezyne CO2 pump, you’re ready quickly, and your arm won’t be completely exhausted from pumping.
Since I purchased the Lezyne Control Drive, I no longer carry a mini pump, except when traveling abroad or for marathons and ultra-distances.
Category Score: 8,5/10
Price
The price of the Lezyne Control Drive fluctuates around $25 (€30). Certainly not cheap, but also not excessively expensive, in my opinion. In return, you get a lot of quality and convenience.
At first, you may be surprised that you’ve spent 25 dollars on such a small tool. That was the case for me as well, but after using the pump a few times, I can justify it!
Category Score: 7/10
Size & Storage
You’ve probably already gathered that the pump is quite compact. Due to its small size, I always keep a CO2 cartridge attached to it. This allows me to store it behind a loop in my bike backpack.
This way, I don’t have to search for the small pump head when needed. Additionally, the tool is ready to use this way, and you’ll be surprised at how little time it takes to reinflate a flat tire.
The pump head itself has the following dimensions: 1.8 x 1.0 x 0.4 inches / 4.5 x 2.5 x 1 cm (LxWxH) and weighs only 0.9 oz or 25 grams. With a CO2 cartridge (0.56 oz / 16 grams) added, the weight totals 3 oz or 85 grams.
Category Score: 8,5/10
Brand Reputation
The brand Lezyne is not only renowned for its high-quality tools but also its bike lights. They have also introduced a range of bike GPS devices to the market.
When it comes to bike accessories, you can always rely on Lezyne. The quality is superb, and in my opinion, the ease of use is fantastic. You might pay a bit more, but you get value for your money; at least, that’s been my experience.
Category Score: 9/10
Who is the Lezyne Control Drive suitable for?
This CO2 tire inflator is suitable for cyclists and mountain bikers who want to reinflate their tires using CO2 quickly. With a mini pump, you’ll be occupied for a while. With this Control Drive, you’ll return to stable tire pressure in seconds.
Of course, you must remember that you’ll always need to carry CO2 cartridges along with the pump. Additionally, you won’t reduce waste as you can’t reuse the empty cartridges.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality CO2 tire inflator, I recommend this Control Drive from Lezyne.
How I rated this product
I purchased the Lezyne Control Drive and have already used it several times in practice. Like all the other tools I review, I have been able to assess it in various aspects based on my own experiences with the tool.
Alternatives to the Lezyne Control Drive
SKS Airbuster
The SKS Airbuster is more affordable and is suitable for all valve types, including Dunlop. It comes standard with a 2-point frame holder.
Pros
Dosing knob
Compatible with all valve types
Integrated CO2 cartridge protection
Cons
Not the lightest
Vale insert needs to be switched on valve type
Muc-Off inflator kit
The Muc-Off inflator kit is in the same price range as the Control Drive. The only difference is the dosing, which works via a push-button mechanism. This allows for very precise dosing.
Pros
Dosing with pushbutton
Compatible with 12g, 16g, or 25g canisters
Also suitable for tubeless installation
Cons
Not the cheapest
Final Thoughts
If you prefer higher quality, then the Lezyne Control Drive CO2 pump is an excellent choice you can certainly rely on!
The pump is easy to use, and the pressure regulator ensures you can fully utilize the CO2 cartridges without any loss.
The whole setup is compact, and with the attached CO2 cartridge, it feels very ergonomic, making it simple to use and store.
Additionally, both the pump head and the pump head with CO2 cartridge attached fit into any saddlebag, backpack, or even the back pocket of your MTB shirt.
Overall Score
8,6/10 😁
Quality of Materials
9/10 🤩
Ease of Use
9/10 🤩
Functionality
8,5/10 😁
Price
7/10 😃
Size & Storage
8,5/10 😁
Lezyne Control Drive
The Lezyne Control Drive is a compact CO2 pump head of high and reliable quality. The head is compatible with Schrader and Presta valves with threads.
In terms of volume, you can choose between cartridges of 12, 16, or 25 grams (0.42, 0.56 or 0,9 oz). Thanks to the pressure regulator, you can dose the air perfectly and possibly even inflate 2 (tubeless) tires with the necessary air.
You can store the tool compactly, but you can also partially attach a CO2 cartridge to it. There’s one included when you purchase this tool. This way, you have the tool ready for immediate use at hand.
The tool is certainly not the cheapest option, but it is reliable, robust, and easy to use!
FAQ
How to use the Lezyne Control Drive?
Screw a CO2 cartridge with threading onto the tool from the bottom until it’s fully attached. Ensure that the pressure regulator is closed. Open the valve of the tire. Next, place the pump head onto a Schrader or Presta valve. Since the head cannot be screwed on, you’ll need to hold it in place by hand. Then, gradually open the pressure regulator knob, allowing the air to enter the tire through the valve. Note that the cartridge will become cold due to the CO2. For protection, wear gloves or use the included sleeve to cover the CO2 cartridge. Close the regulator when the tire is inflated as desired of when the CO2 canister is empty.
